Item4_C20-2026-003 Transit System Projects Amendments Staff Report — original pdf

Backup

City of Austin COJC Meeting Backup: April 15, 2026 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2026-003 Transit System Projects Ordinance Amendment Description: Amend the 2022 Transit System Projects Ordinance to add additional streamlining elements with a focus on project specific technical regulation. Background: On October 29, 2021, City Council approved Ordinance No. 20211029-003 directing staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect to add streamlining elements with a focus on project specific technical regulation. The foundational ordinance for Transit System Projects, Ord. No. 20221115-048, was approved by Council on November 15, 2022. The Transit System Projects foundational ordinance created a central location for transit- specific regulations, expanded permitting options, clarified uses, and provided a programmatic approach to construction noise mitigation. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: 1. Modifies site plan requirements to accommodate permitting tools for the light rail permitting process. 2. Recission of obsolete utility ordinance from 2000. 3. Establishes back-of-curb streetscape standards for light rail. 4. Establishes a water quality compliance program for light rail. 5. Establishes administrative review of heritage trees for Transit System Projects. 6. Incorporates administrative rule modifications that proactively address constrained right of way conditions where compliance will be challenging and ensures consistency in expiration of site plan components. Proposed Text Amendment(s): See attached draft ordinance. Staff Recommendation: Recommended Staff supports the proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 20221115-048. The amendments will further support Resolution No. 20211029-003 which directed staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect to add streamlining elements with a focus on project specific technical regulation. Board and Commission Action: April 15, 2026 – To be considered by Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. April 15, 2026 – To be considered by Environmental Commission. April 28, 2026 – Tentatively scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission. May 21, 2026 – Tentatively scheduled for City Council action. Council Action: Sponsor Department: Austin Project Connect City Staff: Donna Galati, donna.galati@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2733